Hobby servo blocks

ABSTRACT

A hobby servo block system for increasing the load-bearing capacity of a hobby servo motor is provided. The system includes aa servo plate configured to receive a hobby servo motor. The system also includes a hub plate configured to couple to the servo plate such that the hub plate and the servo plate are substantially perpendicular. The system further includes a ball bearing plate configured to couple to the hub plate such that the ball bearing plate and the servo plate are substantially parallel.

REFERENCE TO RELATED CASE

The present application is a continuation of and claims the priority ofU.S. application Ser. No. 15/785,919, filed on Oct. 17, 2017, U.S.application Ser. No. 14/301,564, filed on Jun. 11, 2014, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/593,724, filed on Aug. 24,2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,816,553, which is based on and claims thebenefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61/550,624 filed on Oct. 24,2011, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND

A servo motor (a.k.a. simply a “servo”) is a device having a rotatableoutput shaft. The output shaft can typically be positioned to specificangular positions in accordance with a coded signal received by theservo. It is common that a particular angular position will bemaintained as long as a corresponding coded signal exists on an inputline. If the coded signal changes, the angular position of the shaftwill change accordingly. Control circuits and a potentiometer aretypically included within the servo motor casing and are functionallyconnected to the output shaft. Through the potentiometer (e.g., avariable resistor), the control circuitry is able to monitor the angleof the output shaft. If the shaft is at the correct angle, the motoractuates no further changes. If the shaft is not at the correct angle,the motor is actuated in an appropriate direction until the angle iscorrect.

There are different types of servos that include output shafts havingvarying rotational and torque capabilities. For example, the rotationaland/or torque capability of an industrial servo is typically lessrestricted than that of a hobby servo. That being said, hobby servos aregenerally available commercially at a cost that is much less than thatassociated with industrial servos.

Because hobby servos are relatively small and inexpensive, they arepopular within the hobby-mechanical industry for applications such as,but by no means limited to, hobby robotic applications andradio-controlled models (cars, planes, boats, etc.). One example of ahobby servo is the Futaba S-148 available from Futaba Corporation ofAmerica located in Schaumburg, Ill.

SUMMARY

A hobby servo block system for increasing the load-bearing capacity of ahobby servo motor is provided. The system includes aa servo plateconfigured to receive a hobby servo motor. The system also includes ahub plate configured to couple to the servo plate such that the hubplate and the servo plate are substantially perpendicular. The systemfurther includes a ball bearing plate configured to couple to the hubplate such that the ball bearing plate and the servo plate aresubstantially parallel.

These and various other features and advantages that characterize theclaimed embodiments will become apparent upon reading the followingdetailed description and upon reviewing the associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hobby servo motor.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a servo block functionally coupled to ahobby servo motor.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of components that are optionally used toconstruct a servo block.

FIGS. 4-1 through 4-7 are perspective view of steps for assembling andattaching a servo block to a hobby servo motor.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a servo plate.

FIGS. 6-1 and 6-2 are perspective views of a ball baring plate.

FIGS. 7-1 and 7-2 are perspective views of a hub plate.

FIGS. 8-1 and 8-2 are perspective views of a servo spline shaft hub.

FIGS. 9-1 and 9-2 are perspective views of a tube clamping hub.

FIG. 10 is a plan drawing of some exemplary dimensions a servo block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure include hobby servo blocks. Asmentioned in the Summary section, servo blocks may increase a servo'sload-bearing capabilities by helping to isolate the lateral load fromthe servo spline and case. The extreme versatility of servo blocks allowusers to create complex, extremely rigid, structures with ease usingstandard servos. The robust framework acts as a servo exoskeleton,greatly enhancing the mechanical loads the servo can withstand.Additionally, servo blocks may include a hub pattern that is repeatedthroughout the framework to allow endless attachment options.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example of a hobby servo motor 100.Certain embodiments described herein are intended for implementation inassociation with a motor such as, but not limited to, a hobby servomotor, or more simply stated, a hobby servo. Hobby servo 100 can be anytype of hobby servo and is not limited in terms of its style, capacity,motor speed, or load carrying capability. Hobby servo 100 is notintended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of the claimed subject matter. Neither should hobby servo100 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating toany one or combination of illustrated components.

Hobby servo 100 includes a rotatable splined output shaft 12, rotablesplined shaft output top 13, threaded orifice 14, circular planarsurface 15, a pair of flanges 18, mounting screws 20, and an electricalcable 22. Splined output shaft 12 has teeth (or ridges) distributedaround the outside surface of the output shaft. This configuration isdescribed as a “male” spline configuration. Standard configurations ofhobby servos have 23, 24, or 25 teeth. Threaded orifice 14 extends intosplined output shaft 12 and is adapted to receive an attachment screw(not shown). Flanges 18 are adapted to receive mounting screws 20.Flanges 18 and screws 20 are adapted to work in combination to mounthobby servo 100 in an operating environment. Electrical cable 22 isattached to the hobby servo 100 and provides electrical power and/orelectrical signals to cause the output shaft 12 to rotate in acounter-clockwise or clockwise direction.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a servo block 200 functionally coupledto a hobby servo motor 100. Servo block 200 increases a servo'sload-bearing capabilities by helping to isolate the lateral load fromthe servo spline and case. The extreme versatility of servo blocks allowusers to create complex, extremely rigid, structures with ease usingstandard hobby servos (e.g. Hitec servos). In an embodiment, the ½″aluminum hub shaft provides multiple mounting options using 6-32 screws.Additionally, the block 200 is optionally made of robust 6061 T-6aluminum framework acts as a servo exoskeleton, greatly enhancing themechanical loads the servo can withstand. A 0.770″ hub pattern may berepeated throughout the framework to allow endless attachment options.Compatible with all standard size servos (e.g. Hitec). Block 200 workswith robotics, animation, pan & tilt, and just about any projectrequiring servo power.

FIG. 3 shows some components that are optionally used to construct aservo block. The components include a servo plate 310, a ball bearingplate 320, a servo spline shaft hub 330, two hub plates 340, and a tubeclamping hub 350 (e.g. a 0.770″ 6-32 screws tube clamping hub).Embodiments of the present disclosure include any one or more of thecomponents shown in the figure. Additionally, it should be noted thatany of the components of a servo block can optionally be made integratedwith other parts. For example, any two or more of the components can bemade by one integrated component instead of multiple individualcomponents. Additionally, any of the components could be made from moreseparate components. For example, shaft hub 330 could be made from twoor more individual pieces instead of one integrated piece. Accordingly,embodiments are not limited to the specific examples shown in thefigures, but instead can include any one or more features and/orcombinations of features described in this application.

FIGS. 4-1 through 4-7 illustrate some possible steps for assembling andattaching a servo block to a hobby servo motor. FIG. 4-1 shows a hobbyservo motor 100 by itself. In FIG. 4-2, a servo plate 310 is attached tomotor 100 utilizing screws 102. In FIG. 4-3, a first one of the hubplates 340 is attached to the servo plate 310. In FIG. 4-4, a second oneof the hub plates 340 is attached to the servo plate 310. In FIG. 4-5, aball bearing plate 320 is attached to the two hub plates 340. In FIG.4-6, a spline shaft hub 330 is attached to the ball bearing plate 320.In one embodiment, hub 340 includes a spline shaft receiving portionthat functionally engages (e.g. receives) the splined output shaft ofhobby servo motor 100 such that rotation of the output shaft istranslated to hub 340. In FIG. 4-7, an optional tube clamping hub 350 isattached to one of the hub plates 340. Hub 350 can be used for exampleto attach a piece of tubing to the block.

FIG. 5 is a view of one embodiment of a servo plate 310. Plate 310illustratively includes four apertures 502 for attaching (e.g. screwing)the plate to a servo motor, and four apertures 504 for attaching (e.g.screwing) hub plates 340 (shown and labeled in FIG. 3) to plate 310.Plate 310 also includes an inner diameter 506 and an aperture 508 thatare configured to accommodate a hobby servo motor (i.e. diameter 506 isa little larger than an outer diameter of a hobby servo motor).

FIG. 6-1 is a top view of a ball bearing plate 320, and FIG. 6-2 is aview of the bottom of ball bearing plate 320. Plate 320 illustrativelyincludes apertures 602 for attaching (e.g. screwing) plate 320 to hubplates 340 (shown and labeled in FIG. 3). Plate 320 also optionallyincludes an aperture 604 for fitting a shaft of a spline shaft hub 330.Furthermore, plate 320 includes a ball bearing assembly 606 for enablinghub 330 to rotate.

FIG. 7-1 is a top view of a hub plate 340, and FIG. 7-2 is a bottom viewof hub plate 340. Plate 340 illustratively includes apertures 702 forattaching (e.g. screwing) plate 340 to both a servo plate 310 and to aball bearing plate 320. Plate 340 also optionally includes a largeaperture 706 and smaller apertures 704 that can be used to furtherattach other components to a block. For example, apertures 704 and 706can be used to attach a tube clamp 350 (shown and labeled in FIG. 3) tothe block.

FIG. 8-1 is a top view of a servo spline shaft hub 330, and FIG. 8-2 isa bottom view of a servo spline shaft hub 330. Hub 330 illustrativelyincludes a spline receiving aperture 802 that is configured to receiveand functionally engage with a splined output shaft of a hobby servomotor. For example, aperture 802 receives a output shaft such thatrotation of the output shaft is translated to hub 330. Hub 330 furtherincludes a shaft 804 that in one embodiment has a circular outersurface. Hub 330 also optionally includes a bottom portion/flange 806and apertures 808 that can be used to attach other components to theblock. Hub 330 additionally may have an aperture 810 shown in FIG. 8-2that could enable for instance a screw to be used to attach the hub 330to a output shaft (e.g. by using a screw). Additionally, it should benoted that in another embodiment that a more or less straight shaftwithout a hub portion is used in pace of hub 330. The shaft portionsimilarly includes features (e.g. aperture 802) for attaching to a hobbyservo motor. The main difference is that it does not include a flangeportion 806, and is instead approximately cylindrical in shape.

FIG. 9-1 is a top view of a tube clamping hub 350, and FIG. 9-2 is abottom view of a tube clamping hub 350. Hub 350 could be used forexample to attach another component to a block (e.g. attaching a tube toa block). Block 350 illustratively includes a larger aperture 902 (e.g.for receiving a tube), and smaller apertures 904 that could be used toattach the hub 350 to the block or for attaching other components to hub350.

FIG. 10 illustrates some exemplary dimensions for some components of ablock 200. Embodiments are not however limited to any particulardimensions, and embodiments include any dimensions. Additionally, in oneembodiment, block 200 is made of a metal, such as but not limited toaluminum. Embodiments are not however limited to any particular materialand block 200 can be made of other materials such as a syntheticmaterial (e.g. plastic), etc. Furthermore, in one embodiment, block 200includes 6-32×¼″ Pan Head Phillips Screws, and are designed for standardsize Hitec and Futaba servos.

In one embodiment, a hobby servo block comprises a servo portion that isconfigured to receive a hobby servo motor, a ball bearing portion thatis configured to support a ball bearing assembly, and an extensionportion that is configured to functionally connect the servo and theball bearing portions. The hobby servo block may further comprise ashaft portion that is configured to functionally engage an output shaftof the hobby servo motor, and that is configured to be rotated in anaperture of the ball bearing portion. The servo, the ball bearing, theextension, and the shaft portions may be formed as one integratedcomponent. Alternatively, the servo, the ball bearing, the extension,and the shaft portions are formed as separate components. The hobbyservo block may also include one or more additional extension portionsthat are configured to functionally connect the servo and the ballbearing portions.

The servo portion illustratively has an approximately rectangular shapethat includes an inner perimeter that is larger than an outer perimeterof the hobby servo motor, and wherein the servo portion has a main bodyportion that includes a number of different types of apertures, a firstgroup of the apertures being configured to attached the servo portion tothe hobby servo motor, and a second group of the apertures beingconfigured to attach the servo portion to the extension portion. Aportion of the first group of apertures are located at approximately acenter of the servo portion, wherein another portion of the first groupof apertures are located at approximately an end of the servo portion,and wherein at least some of the second group of apertures are locatedat opposite ends of the servo portion. The ball bearing portion mayinclude a central aperture that is configured to receive a rotatableshaft, wherein an inner surface of the central aperture is rotatablerelative to a main body of the ball bearing portion, the main bodyincluding a number of support bars that extend outward from the centralaperture, each of the support bars including an aperture that isconfigured to attach the ball bearing portion to the extension portion,and wherein the ball bearing portion has an approximately cross shapeappearance.

The extension portion may include a main body having a central aperturethat is surrounded by smaller satellite apertures, the main bodyincluding a number of support bars that extend outward from a centralportion of the main body, each of the support bars including an aperturethat is configured to attach the ball bearing portion to the hobby servomotor, wherein the apertures in the support bar at least approximatelyperpendicular to the smaller satellite apertures and the centralaperture, and wherein the extension portion has an approximately H-shapeappearance. Furthermore, the hobby servo block may include a shaftportion that includes a cylindrical main body portion, one end of themain body portion including an aperture that is configured to receiveand to functionally engage a rotatable output shaft of the hobby servomotor, an outer surface of the main body portion being at leastapproximately smooth, a second end of the main body portion including aflange portion that extends outward from the cylindrical main bodyportion, the flange portion being at least approximately cylindrical andhaving a set of satellite apertures surround a central aperture, the setof satellite apertures being configured to attach the shaft portion toother components, the central aperture being configured to secure theshaft portion to the hobby servo motor utilizing a screw, and whereinthe central aperture is a same size or larger than the satelliteapertures.

The hobby servo block may also comprise a second extension portion,wherein the two extension portions are at least approximately parallelto each other, wherein the servo portion and the ball bearing portionare at least approximately parallel to each other, and wherein the twoextension portions are at least approximately perpendicular to the servoand the ball bearing portions.

In another embodiment, a hobby servo block illustratively includes ahobby servo portion, a ball bearing portion that is at leastapproximately parallel to the hobby servo portion, at least twoextension portions that are at least approximately parallel to the ballbearing portion, and that connect the hobby servo and the ball bearingportion, and a shaft portion that is configured to functionally engage arotatable shaft of a hobby servo motor, and to fit through a centralaperture in the ball bearing portion. The hobby servo block may includea hobby servo motor that fits through a central aperture in the hobbyservo portion, and that has a splined output shaft that has an angularposition that is controlled at least in part by a coded input signal onan input line. The hobby servo motor may be modified to remove aninternal potentiometer from a control loop of the hobby servo motor,wherein the internal potentiometer has been replaced in the control loopwith an external potentiometer, and wherein hobby servo motor controlscheme is configured to utilize the external potentiometer to provideproportional control over a range greater than three hundred and sixtyangular degrees.

The ball bearing portion optionally includes a ball bearing assemblythat is rotatable relative to an outer stationary portion, and the shaftportion optionally includes a first end that is configured tofunctionally engage a splined output shaft of the hobby servo motor, anda second end that is configured to secure the hobby servo block toanother component utilizing a flange with apertures.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus comprises a first portion thatis configured to attach the apparatus to a hobby servo motor, arotatable shaft that is configured to be functionally engaged to asplined output shaft of the hobby servo motor, and a second portion thatis configured to be attached to the first portion and that has anaperture that is configured to receive and support the rotatable shaftto increase a load bearing capacity of the hobby servo motor. The firstportion and the second portion are at least approximately parallel. Thefirst rotatable output shaft is at least approximately perpendicular tothe first and the second portions, and multiple extension portions mayconnect the first and the second portions.

Finally, it is to be understood that even though numerouscharacteristics and advantages of various embodiments have been setforth in the foregoing description, together with details of thestructure and function of various embodiments, this detailed descriptionis illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially inmatters of structure and arrangements of parts within the principles ofthe present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad generalmeaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed. Inaddition, although the embodiments described herein are directed tohobby servo motors, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the teachings of the disclosure can be applied to other types ofdevices, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A motor block system, the system comprising amodular multi-piece motor exoskeleton that is connectable to a motorthat has a spline and a case, wherein the motor exoskeleton isconfigured to, when connected to the motor, support an elongated shaftthat is rotatably connected to the spline, the support to the elongatedshaft being such that the motor exoskeleton substantially isolates anylateral load on a shaft from the spline and the case.
 2. The motor blocksystem of claim 1, wherein the motor exoskeleton further comprises anaperture formed in a bearing plate, the aperture being positioned, whenthe motor exoskeleton is connected to the motor, so as to have theelongated shaft extend through it while the elongated shaft is at thesame time rotatably connected to the spline.
 3. The motor block systemof claim 1, wherein the motor exoskeleton comprises multiplemechanically connected pieces such that part of the motor exoskeletoncan be swapped out with a different piece.
 4. The motor block system ofclaim 1, wherein the motor exoskeleton comprises a servo plate that isseparate but has at least one mechanical connection feature forsupporting a mechanical connection to a ball bearing plate.
 5. The motorblock system of claim 1, wherein the motor exoskeleton further comprisesa bearing for rotatably supporting the elongated shaft.
 6. The motorblock system of claim 1, wherein the motor exoskeleton comprises a firstgroup of apertures configured to support attachment of a servo plate tothe motor.
 7. The motor block system of claim 1, wherein the motorexoskeleton comprises at least two separate plates that are configuredto be mechanically but temporarily fixed to each other in aperpendicular configuration.
 8. The motor block system of claim 1,wherein the motor exoskeleton comprises at least three separate pieceswith mechanical connectors oriented such that, when the three pieces areconnected to one another, one of the pieces is oriented in aperpendicular configuration relative to the other two pieces.
 9. Themotor block system of claim 1, wherein the motor is a hobby servo motor.10. The motor block system of claim 1, wherein the motor includes atleast one mechanical connection mechanism for facilitating theconnection to the motor exoskeleton.
 11. The motor block system of claim1, wherein the motor exoskeleton comprises a first group of aperturesconfigured to support attachment of a servo plate to the motor.
 12. Themotor block system of claim 1, wherein the motor exoskeleton comprisesat least two separate plates that are configured to be mechanically buttemporarily fixed to each other in a perpendicular configuration. 13.The motor block system of claim 1, wherein the motor exoskeletoncomprises at least three separate pieces with mechanical connectorsoriented such that, when the three pieces are connected to one another,one of the pieces is oriented in a perpendicular configuration relativeto the other two pieces.
 14. The motor block system of claim 1, whereinthe motor is a hobby servo motor.
 15. A motor block system, the systemcomprising a modular multi-piece motor exoskeleton connected to a motorthat has a spline and a case, wherein the motor exoskeleton supports anelongated shaft that is rotatably connected to the spline, the supportto the elongated shaft being such that the motor exoskeletonsubstantially isolates any lateral load on a shaft from the spline andthe case.
 16. The motor block system of claim 15, wherein the motorexoskeleton further comprises an aperture formed in a bearing plate, theaperture being positioned so as to have the elongated shaft extendthrough it while the elongated shaft is at the same time rotatablyconnected to the spline.
 17. The motor block system of claim 15, whereinthe motor exoskeleton comprises multiple mechanically connected piecessuch that part of the motor exoskeleton can be swapped out with adifferent piece.
 18. The motor block system of claim 15, wherein themotor exoskeleton comprises a servo plate that is separate but has atleast one mechanical connection feature for supporting a mechanicalconnection to a ball bearing plate.
 19. The motor block system of claim15, wherein the motor exoskeleton further comprises a bearing forrotatably supporting the elongated shaft.
 20. A motor block system, thesystem comprising a modular multi-piece motor exoskeleton that isconfigured to be connectable to a plurality of connector tabs that arepart of a hobby motor that has a spline and a case, wherein the motorexoskeleton is configured to, when connected to the hobby servo motor,support an elongated shaft that is rotatably connected to the spline,the support to the elongated shaft being such that the motor exoskeletonsubstantially isolates any lateral load on a shaft from the spline andthe case.